“Sean Connery and Kevin Costner: Their Unforgettable Crime Drama Inspired by True Events”
Sean Connery’s Standout Non-Bond Film: Teaming Up with Kevin Costner in “The Untouchables”
Sean Connery delivered one of his finest performances outside the James Bond franchise when he starred alongside Kevin Costner in the 1987 crime drama The Untouchables. Directed by Brian De Palma, this Prohibition-era thriller follows the efforts of Prohibition agent Eliot Ness (Costner) to bring down notorious crime boss Al Capone (Robert De Niro) in 1930s Chicago. Connery portrays veteran Irish-American officer Jim Malone, who assists Ness in battling Capone’s gang and the corrupt law enforcement that enables them.
Connery first became a cinematic icon as the first actor to portray James Bond in 1962’s Dr. No, a role he reprised in five more official films, plus the unofficial Never Say Never Again. While Bond is undoubtedly Connery’s most famous role, he also enjoyed a diverse and prolific career in various genres, collaborating with renowned directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Steven Spielberg.
The Untouchables, based loosely on Ness’ 1957 memoir of the same name, received critical acclaim and earned four Academy Award nominations, showcasing a compelling blend of action and drama. The film features a memorable score by Ennio Morricone and is celebrated for its stylish cinematography.
However, it’s important to note that while the film is rooted in real events, many aspects of its portrayal of Ness and Capone are fictionalized. For example, Ness did not kill mobster Frank Nitti, who died by suicide years later, and several dramatic scenes were crafted for cinematic effect rather than historical accuracy.
In summary, The Untouchables stands out as one of Connery’s most notable non-Bond films, illustrating his versatility as an actor while delivering a captivating gangster story.
